Soccer board game

ABSTRACT

A soccer board game and a method for playing it by first and second contestants is disclosed. The game board included a board comprising a grid of distinctly marked squares with soccer field markings. The soccer field markings include a half line dividing the field into two half fields, a kick-off circle on the half line, two opposite goal boxes located on opposite ends of the field, a five-zone and a sixteen-zone areas adjacent each of the goal boxes. The board game includes at least one die; a ball; and opponent first and second teams of players, each team pertaining to one of the contestants.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to games. More specifically, the presentinvention relates to a soccer board game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Soccer was first played in China during the 2nd and 3rd century BC. Itwas basically a military training exercise, which involved kicking aball to a target, while being attacked by rivals. The game closest tothe modern soccer game was developed over the last 1500 years inBritain. Initially there were many different variations of the gamethroughout the country; however, they all had the same basis.

Due to the increased worldwide popularity of soccer over the years,numerous inventors have intended to simulate the game and develop avariety of soccer board games.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,245 (Duch) proposes a game having a soccer fieldlayout, goals at each end thereof, player pieces to represent two soccerteams, a ball piece and a shooter disc for propelling one of saidplayers against the ball piece to move the ball piece toward the goalwhereby the rules of play of said game are designed to instruct in therules of soccer and to entertain.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,350,343 (Salazar) describe a game board apparatus andmethod for at least two players for simulating the play of soccer. Theapparatus of the game comprises two sets of playing pieces representingtwo teams of players, there being a plurality of forwards, a lesserplurality of defenders and a goalie on each team, the forwards on eachteam being distinguishable from each other as by indicia; a game boardhaving goal areas at opposite ends of the board, each goal area havingindicia and two sets of players' movement paths, one path for eachforward on each team, each path including a first group of consecutivespaces defining an advancing zone and a second group of consecutivespaces defining an attacking zone, the defenders being positionable onthe spaces in the paths occupied by the opposing team's forwards forblocking the movement of the forward; a piece representing a soccerball, the soccer ball being movable with the forwards towards the goalareas; and chance means manipulatable by the players for determiningmovement of the ball among the forward and into the goal areas, and fordetermining possession of the ball between the two teams.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,743 (Salerno) developed a strategy-type soccer boardgame which has a plurality of movable playing pieces and a separatesoccer ball, all of which may be moved independently of each other or inconcert as determined by rolls of the dice. The game is played by twoplayers, each of whom is given nine playing pieces. Each of the playingpieces has a post at its base onto which a ball having a matching slotmay be placed when a particular playing piece is carrying or passing theball. The game board consists of a rectangular playing field with a gridof squares, each square representing one possible move. Surrounding thefield are the out-of-bounds areas. At opposing ends of the field aregoal lines, a goal net that must be entered to score a goal and a goaliebox. In the center of the field are a kick-off circle and a kick-offsquare from which the team kicking off initiates play. A table ofnumbers is located on each players' side of the board, indicating thedirection of movement possible depending on the numbers rolled on thedice. The roll of the dice provides a number of possible moves dependingon how the dice are grouped, the direction indicated on the table andthe strategy by the player.

GB 2,240,046 (Reaney) describes a board game apparatus simulating a teamgame, e.g. soccer, comprises a board defining a playing surfacesub-divided into a plurality of playing positions and having opposedgoal lines spaced apart by L playing positions and opposed side linesspaced apart by W playing positions. The apparatus further includesplaying pieces and random number generating means. The random numbergenerating means is operative to generate, on each player's turn, anumber 1 in the range A</=1</=B, where A, 1 and B are all integers, B isat least 15, L is at least 1.8 times B and W is at least 1.2 times B.

GB 2,227,947 (Gray) describes a game for simulating soccer, rugby orhockey. The game comprises a board provided with markings correspondingto the markings of the game to be simulated. The pitch area isadditionally divided up into smaller areas by a grid structure. Movablepieces are placed on the board in the grid areas and represent, forexample, players, a referee and a ball or similar object with which thefull-scale game is played. Also included are one or more dice andattacker and defender cards. In use, the game is played by two or moreplayers who alternately throw the dice and move the pieces about thegrid according to the number on the dice thrown. The piece representingthe ball can be moved together with one of the pieces representing aplayer and the rules can allow the ball to be passed between players andto be transferred from a player of one team to a player of another team.

WO 8800853 describes a system of teaching and entertainment whichcombines a marked segmented playing board, a random selection indicationmechanism (preferably twelve sided dice), a single movable token, and aset of rules simulating, on the board, the rules of the field game beingrepresented. The board is marked with active and neutral square segmentsand with written and symbolic instructions over which a single token(marker) is moved. These movements are based on instructions from theboard and/or a die or dice of one or more colors separately bearingalpha or numeric markings, which indicate possession (of the token),direction and distance of movement. The rules of the board game reflectto a high degree of accuracy, the rules of the field game beingrepresented. Any arena sport or field type sport played between opposingteams (defensive or offensive) with goal targets at opposite defendedends e.g. soccer, hockey, basketball, football (non-soccer styles), areso represented on a board accurately.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,370 (Poisson) introduces a method for playing asoccer card game. The method includes, providing a deck of kicking cardsand a deck of playing cards. At least a portion of the kicking deck andthe playing deck carries instructions for their use in the progress of asoccer game. An offense player and a defense player are declared by acoin toss or other means. The plurality of cards dealt to the offenseplayer is an offense playing hand and the plurality of cards dealt tothe defense player are a defense playing hand. A game system is alsoprovided. The system includes a soccer game board having arepresentation of a soccer field thereon including a center field area,two scoring areas, and a plurality of playing positions. Each of theplurality of playing positions is connected to other of the playingpositions by a plurality of connecting lines. Any two playing positionsare connected only by a single line. A game piece is providedrepresenting the defense team. The defense team game piece is used toblock the offense player's pass or kick moves. A game piece representinga game ball is provided. A tabular means for recording points andpenalties made by the defense player and the offense player is alsoused. The system also includes a deck of kicking cards and a deck ofplaying cards. At least a portion of the kicking deck and the playingdeck carries instructions for their use in the progress of a soccergame.

GB2,363,997 (Ononye) describes a table soccer game in which a ball ispropelled by flicking playing pieces into contact with the ball. Thegame is characterized by (i) the playing surface being divided into gridboxes, which are used to determine where playing pieces can bepositioned and whether possession of the ball by a team is maintained orlost after each play; (ii) the ball being a flattened sphere or disc forgenerally sliding movement; within a team of playing pieces, which arethemselves generally disc shaped, having a variety of differentcharacteristics such as height, weight, breadth, and incline of thecontacting surface; and/or (iv) an aid in the form of a two-leggedplate, which lies on the table around the ball, helps to gauge shootingangles and prevents the playing pieces from flying far out of position.The goalkeeper piece is wedged shaped and can be horizontal or verticaldepending on position within the grid boxes. The game is intended to beone of strategy or tactics, with only one play at a time, by each teamin turn.

Thus, as mentioned above, different types of soccer board games havebeen described; however, none of the available games is close to or asdynamic as the ‘real’ soccer game.

A main aim of the present invention is to provide a soccer board game,which is more realistic and interesting than soccer board gamescurrently available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is, therefore, provided, according to some preferred embodimentsof the present invention, a method of playing a soccer board game playedby first and second contestants on a board, the method comprising:

providing a board comprising a grid of distinctly marked squares withsoccer field markings, the soccer field markings comprising a half linedividing the field into two half fields, a kick-off circle on the halfline, two opposite goal boxes located on opposite ends of the field, afive-zone and a sixteen-zone areas adjacent each of the goal boxes, andfurther providing at least one die, a ball and opponent first and secondteams of players, each team pertaining to one of the contestants;

each contestant playing in turns, aiming at making the team pertainingto him or her getting control of the ball, which is achieved when aplayer is positioned on a square adjacent the ball, kicking the ball andscoring goals, a goal defined as passing the ball through the goal boxof a rival team, each turn comprising four moves of players, each movecomprising up to four steps.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, kicking the ball comprises kicking a short-range kickdefined as moving the ball up to four squares or kicking a long-rangekick defined as moving the ball three squares and additional number ofsquares the additional number determined by said at least one die.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, in a long-range kick the contestant pertaining to anattacking kick places the ball, prior to the long range kick on anydesired square, provided that square is a vacant square and adjacent tothe ball, and wherein the long range kick is performed along a straightline only.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, getting control of the ball by a team pertaining toone of the contestants comprises, at the end of a turn having one of theplayers of the team pertaining to that contestant being closer to theball than any other players of the other team.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the method further comprises loosing the ball to theopponent team during any of the moves of a turn, when the ball is foundbefore a kick on a square adjacent a player of the opponent team and isalso found, after that kick on a square adjacent a player of theopponent team.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the method further comprises loosing the ball by anattacking team to the opponent team at the end of a turn, when at theend of the turn the ball is found on a square that is not adjacent aplayer of the attacking team.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the players of each team are distinctly numbered.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, when a player of an attacking team is found on asquare adjacent the ball and a player of the opponent team is found on asquare adjacent the ball, then if the number of the player of theattacking team is smaller than the number of the player of the opponentteam, than the player of the attacking team can kick only a short rangekick comprising only up to three steps.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, when a player of an attacking team is found on asquare adjacent the ball and a player of the opponent team is found on asquare adjacent the ball, then if the number of the player of theattacking team is larger than the number of the player of the opponentteam, than the player of the attacking team can kick only a short rangekick comprising only up to four steps.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, if the ball is in control of an attacking team andlocated on a square in the half field of the attacking team, than at theend of a turn the ball must advance at least one square forward.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the method further comprises providing penalty kickmarks on opposite sides of the field each penalty kick mark located on asquare adjacent the five zone and opposite the goal box adjacent thatfive zone, and awarding a penalty kick to a player of an attacking teamin an event of a foul, the penalty kick performed by placing the ball onthe penalty kick mark, rolling said at least one die, and countingacross a row of squares along the goal box corresponding to the numberobtained by rolling said at least one die, so that if the counting endson a square not occupied by a goalie it is determined that a goal wasscored.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, if the row of squares along the goal box contains anumber of squares that is smaller than the number obtained by rollingsaid at least one die, than the counting comprises repeated countingacross the row of squares.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, before a kick by a player of an attacking team, if agoalie of the opponent team is found on a square adjacent the ball, thenthe kick comprises steps the number of which consists only of and isdetermined by rolling said at least one die, and only in straight line.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, a scoring zone is defined in front of each of thegoal boxes, and wherein if a player of an attacking team kicks the ballalong a straight line towards the goal box of the opponent team, theball being placed inside the scoring zone adjacent that goal box priorto the kick, then if the goalie of the opponent team is placed on asquare on the straight line then it is determined that the goalie hassuccessfully prevented scoring a goal.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, a scoring zone is defined in front of each of thegoal boxes, and wherein if a player of an attacking team kicks the ballalong a straight line towards the goal box of the opponent team, theball being placed outside the scoring zone adjacent that goal box priorto the kick, then if the goalie of the opponent team is placed on asquare on the straight line then it is determined that the goalie hassuccessfully prevented scoring a goal, and if the goalie is positionedin the five zone and placed on a square adjacent the straight line thanit is determined that the goalie has warded the ball out and preventedscoring a goal.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, in an event of a penalty, an outed ball, or a corner,each team is awarded a turn for reorganization.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the method is implemented in the form of acomputerized game.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, one of the contestants comprises a computerizedcontestant.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the method comprises implementing official soccerrules in the soccer board game.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, there is provided a soccer board game to be played byfirst and second contestants comprising:

a board comprising a grid of distinctly marked squares with soccer fieldmarkings, the soccer field markings comprising a half line dividing thefield into two half fields, a kick-off circle on the half line, twoopposite goal boxes located on opposite ends of the field, a five-zoneand a sixteen-zone areas adjacent each of the goal boxes;

at least one die;

a ball; and

opponent first and second teams of players, each team pertaining to oneof the contestants.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the grid of distinctly marked squares comprises agrid of 19 by 22 squares.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, a line of squares is provided outside, adjacent andaround the soccer field markings.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the grid of distinctly marked squares comprises ismarked by numbers or letters.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the five zone comprises a grid of 2 by 5 squares.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the sixteen zone comprises a grid of 4 by 9 squares.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the goal box comprises a line of 3 squares.

Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, a scoring zone is marked adjacent each goal box, thescoring zone comprising a grid of 6 by 13 squares apart from 3 cornersquares located on opposite sides on either side of the grid adjacent aline across the goal box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the present invention, and appreciate itspractical applications, the following figures are provided andreferenced hereafter.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of the board of a soccer board gamein accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the board of a soccer board game in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention indicating special zones.

FIG. 3 illustrates two different possible moves carried out by a singleplayer in a turn.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example for an initial compulsory step.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example for a second compulsory step.

FIG. 6 illustrates a step carried out by triangle-player No. 7 to asquare on which the ball was situated prior to the kick.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sequence of three steps carried out bytriangle-player No. 11 in a single move.

FIG. 8 illustrates a kick (total distance of three squares) carried outby triangle-player No. 11.

FIG. 9 illustrates a step carried out by triangle-player No. 11 to asquare on which the ball was situated prior to the kick.

FIG. 10 illustrates a scenario in which triangle-player No. 10 kicks theball and scores a goal.

FIG. 11 illustrates a step carried out by triangle-player No. 10 to asquare on which the ball was situated prior to the kick.

FIG. 12 illustrates a scenario in which the attacking team is about tolose the ball to the opposing team.

FIG. 13 illustrates two possible scenarios in which triangle-player No.11 kicks the ball.

FIG. 14 illustrates a scenario in which the kicked ball ends up twosquares away from player No. 11 and one square away from circle-playerNo. 2.

FIG. 15 illustrates a scenario in which the triangle-players completedtheir turn, and based on the position of the ball, the circle-playerscan kick the ball.

FIG. 16 provides an example of a long-range kick.

FIG. 17 illustrates a case in which the rolled die indicates 4 insteadof an optimal 1, and as a result the triangle-team loses the ball.

FIG. 18 illustrates the field layout after triangle-player No. 3 stepsto a square on which the ball was situated prior to the kick.

FIG. 19 illustrates additional alternative pathways for kicking theball.

FIG. 20 illustrates a scenario in which triangle-player No. 10 attemptsscoring a goal by a long-range kick.

FIG. 21 illustrates scoring a goal by a long-range kick.

FIG. 22 illustrates a step made by triangle-player No. 10 to a square onwhich the ball was situated prior to the kick.

FIG. 23 illustrates a scenario in which the triangle-team kicks the balland causes the ball to cross the goal-gate and exit the field of play.

FIG. 24 illustrates two squares (striped-squares) from which the goaliethrows the ball into the field.

FIG. 25 illustrates an “offside” offense.

FIG. 26 illustrates a case in which the kicking player can kick the ballalong straight pathways within the range indicated by thestriped-squares.

FIG. 27 illustrates a case (similar to the case illustrated in FIG. 26)in which triangle-player No. 4 can kick the ball along straight pathwayswithin the range indicated by the striped-squares.

FIG. 28 illustrates a case in which the ball crosses the boundariessurrounding the field of play.

FIG. 29 illustrates a case in which the ball crosses the boundariessurrounding the field of play but remains with the attacking team.

FIG. 30 illustrates the region (striped-squares) to which a player hasto arrive in order to throw the ball into the field of play.

FIG. 31 illustrates a case in which circle-player No. 5 advances towardsthe ball.

FIG. 32 illustrates a case in which circle-player No. 5 is ready tothrow the ball into the field.

FIG. 33 illustrates a case in which triangle-player No. 8 vacates squareb13.

FIG. 34 illustrates the squares (striped-region) that must remain vacantwhen throwing the ball into the field.

FIG. 35 illustrates a case in which circle-player No. 5 throws the ballinto the field and towards circle-player No. 7.

FIG. 36 illustrates the return of circle-player No. 5 into the field tothe square on which the ball was situated before it was thrown into thefield.

FIG. 37 illustrates two regions within the goal box from which the ballcan exit the field of play.

FIG. 38 illustrates a case in which the ball exits the field of playthrough the center line of the goal box.

FIG. 39 illustrates a “corner kick”.

FIG. 40 illustrates the square on which the ball is situated prior tobeing thrown into the field.

FIG. 41 illustrates the region (striped-squares) into which a player hasto enter prior to throwing the ball into the field.

FIG. 42 illustrates the movement of triangle-player No. 10 towards theregion (described in FIG. 41) from which he (or she) carries out a“corner-kick”.

FIG. 43 illustrates the squares (i.e., striped-region) which must remainvacant when throwing the ball into the field.

FIG. 44 illustrates the total distance through which the ball canadvance when kicked into the field.

FIG. 45 illustrates a kick performed by triangle-player No. 10 towardstriangle-player No. 8.

FIG. 46 illustrates triangle-player No. 10 standing on a square on whichthe ball was situated prior to the kick.

FIG. 47 illustrates squares h, k, and l numbered from 1 to 6.

FIG. 48 illustrates a case in which the number indicated by the die is2, and kicking the ball scores a goal.

FIG. 49 illustrates a case in which the number indicated by the die is2, and kicking the ball does not score a goal.

FIG. 50 illustrates a case in which the ball is situated on a squareadjacent to a square on which circle-goalie stands.

FIG. 51 illustrates various pathways that the playing contestant canchoose from for advancing the ball.

FIG. 52 illustrates a case in which circle-player No. 10 carries out along-range kick from a square located in the scoring-zone and scores agoal.

FIG. 53 illustrates a case in which circle-player No. 10 kicks the balltowards the goal box from a square located outside the scoring-zone.

FIG. 54 illustrates a case in which kicking the ball is carried out by along-range kick from a square located outside the scoring-zone.

FIG. 55 illustrates a case in which the ball is kicked from a squarelocated outside the scoring-zone and advances through a square on whichthe goalie stands.

FIG. 56 illustrates a “corner kick”.

FIG. 57 illustrates a case in which the ball is kicked from within thescoring-zone, and circle-goalie stands on a square along the linethrough which the ball advances.

FIG. 58 illustrates a case in which ball is kicked from within thescoring-zone, and circle-goalie stands on the goalie-line.

FIG. 59 illustrates a case in which the ball hits the post on the way tothe goal box.

FIG. 60 illustrates possible scenarios involved when the ball hits thepost on the way to the goal box.

FIG. 61 illustrates a scenario in which the movement of the ball beginson line 8 and ends on line 11.

FIG. 62 illustrates a scenario in which player No. 7 cannot kick theball.

FIG. 63 illustrates a case in which six players from one team stand onthe same line.

FIG. 64 illustrates a case in which it is the turn of the circle-team tokick the ball, and circle-player No. 4 stands behind the sixteen-line.

FIG. 65 illustrates a foul carried out by triangle-player No. 8.

FIG. 66 illustrates a case in which triangle-player No. 8 pushescircle-player No. 6 onto square g15.

FIG. 67 illustrates a step made by triangle-player No. 8 to a squarepreviously occupied by circle-player No. 6.

FIG. 68 illustrates a case in which triangle-player No. 8 cannot pushcircle-player No. 6 since another player occupies the target square.

FIG. 69 illustrates a case in which triangle-player No. 8 cannot pushcircle-player No. 6 as the target square is occupied by the ball.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention discloses a soccer board game, which requiresthinking and involves a high degree of sophistication. Like in the‘real’ field soccer game, winning the game greatly depends on the skill,judgment, experience, tactics and strategy of the player even thoughdice are involved.

The game is similar to the ‘real’ field soccer game. It includes therules of the ‘real’ field soccer game and additional unique rules, whichturn the game into vigorous, dynamic as well as an exciting experience.

The game can be implemented as a board game as well as a computer game.Implementing the game on a computer would allow a player to play eitheragainst the computer or against another player locally or at a remotelocation (when connected to the internet).

The game can be played in two alternative modes: basic mode and advancedmode. The basic mode includes some basic rules and is aimed at newplayers who wish to start playing instantly. The advanced mode includesadditional rules for advanced players who mastered the game in its basicmode.

The basic rules of the game, the board layout and the way the game isplayed are explained hereinafter with reference to the accompanyingfigures. Two “contestants” play the game, using soccer “players”. The“contestants” can also be referred to as “coaches”.

The game includes a game board (a soccer field), two goal boxes 108, aball 130 (actually a ball indication), a standard die and two teams 122,124 each of which consists of eleven players (actually playerindications).

FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of the board 100 of a soccer boardgame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.The board 100 consists of a grid of distinctly marked squares 102, whichmakes up the field. The squares along the length 104 of the field areconsecutively numbered and the squares along the width 106 of the fieldare correspondingly marked by a character sequence. The board gamecomprises a grid of 19 by 22 squares.

The field markings comprise a half line 119 dividing the field into twohalf fields. At opposite ends of the field are goal boxes 108. Each goalbox comprises a line of 3 squares. A goal box 108 consists of agoal-gate 109. One line (sixteen-line 114) crosses the width 106 andpasses through square 4, and a second line (sixteen-line 114) crossesthe width 106 and passes through square 17 on the other side of thefield (i.e., the side of the opponent team). A scoring zone 111 ismarked adjacent each goal box, the scoring zone comprising a grid of 6by 13 squares apart from 3 corner squares located on opposite sides oneither side of the grid adjacent a line across the goal box. It shouldbe noted that deflecting a ball 130 kicked towards the goal-box fromwithin the scoring zone 111 is made difficult as compared to deflectinga ball 130 kicked from outside the scoring zone 111. In the center ofthe field there is a kick-off circle 118.

There are eleven players on each team, and the opponent teams aredistinguished by color and or shape. For instance, the players on oneteam may wear one color such as red, and the players on the other teammay wear a different color such as white. The goalie is distinguishedfrom the rest of the players by a different shirt. The goalie is playerNo. 1 (number 1 is marked on his shirt), and the rest of the teammembers are numbered from 2 to 11 (numbers ranging from 2 to 11 aremarked on the shirts of the team members).

In the accompanying figures the players appear either as“triangle-player No.” or “circle-player No.” in order to distinguishbetween opponent teams (however these are just arbitrary symbols, andother shapes can be used as well).

Each contestant initially deploys the players of his (or her) team inaccordance with the regulations of the game on his (or her) half-side ofthe field, excluding the kick-off circle 118 and the squares adjacent tothe kick-off circle.

Tossing the die determines which of the two teams attacks first. Thecontestant, who gets the higher number, wins the toss, and his (or her)team attacks first. The ball 130 is then positioned within the kick-offcircle 118 on the side of the field of the winning contestant as seen inFIG. 2.

FIG. 2 illustrates the board 100 of a soccer board game in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention indicating specialzones. As seen in the figure, a rectangular area in front of thegoal-box 108 comprises a grid of 2 by 5 squares is referred to as thefive-zone 110, and a line (five-line 116) crosses the five-zone 110(i.e., g2-m1 and on the other side of the field g20-m19). A rectangulararea in front of the goal box 108 comprises a grid of 4 by 9 squares andis referred to as the sixteen-zone 112. A line in front of and adjacentto the goal box 108 is referred to as the goalie-line 113.

The figure also illustrates an initial deployment of circle-players (orcircle-team) 122, triangle-players (or triangle-team) 124, and ball 130on the soccer field board 100. In order to reach the ball on the firstmove, at least one player from the attacking team has to stand on asquare distant from the ball by four squares at most. The circle-goalie126 and the triangle-goalie 128 are positioned within the five-zone 116.The ball 130 is positioned on the kick-off circle 118 on the side of thefield of the contestant who starts the game.

It should be mentioned that when the goalie stands outside the goal box108, he (or she) functions like any other player on the field.

The game, is based on turns in such a way that each contestant proceedsand makes moves in his (or her) turn. In every turn a contestant mustmake four moves where each move consists of at least one and up to foursteps. More specifically, a player can step once (i.e., from one squareto another) and up to four times (i.e., a total of four steps) forwardand backwards, sideways and diagonally.

A player can also change directions of steps during a single move. Thesquare on which a player stands prior to making a move is not counted,and a player cannot end up standing on a square occupied by anotherplayer. Also, a single player can make one or multiple moves (up to fourmoves) in a single turn as can be seen in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 illustrates two different possible moves carried out by a singleplayer in a turn. In move 132, triangle-player No. 11 steps four squaresfrom k14 to p18. In move 134, triangle-player No. 11 steps 3 squaresfrom k14 to f16.

As noted earlier, the contestant who gets the higher number wins thetoss, and his (or her) team attacks first. The playing contestant has toplace a player on a square adjacent to the ball 130 in order to kick theball 130. The contestant has to perform two compulsory steps. On thefirst step a player has to be stepped to a square adjacent to the squareon which the ball 130 is situated as illustrated in FIG. 4, and on thesecond step the ball 130 is kicked.

FIG. 4 illustrates an initial compulsory step 136 carried out bytriangle-player No. 7 to a square (i.e., square h10) adjacent to thesquare on which the ball 130 is situated (the player steps 3 squares).

On the second step, same player (i.e., player No. 7) has to kick theball 130 towards the side of the field of his team 118 as seen in FIG.5.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example for a second compulsory step 138 in whichtriangle-player No. 7 kicks the ball 130 towards triangle-player No. 8.

To complete the move, the player who performed the kick is placed on thesquare on which the ball 130 was situated prior to the kick as seen inFIG. 6

FIG. 6 illustrates a step 140 carried out by triangle-player No. 7 tothe square on which the ball 130 was situated prior to the kick.

There are two types of kicks: a short-range kick and a long-range kick.

In a short-range kick, the ball 130 is stepped from one and up to foursquares (through adjacent squares) in any direction where the square onwhich the ball 130 is situated prior to the kick, is not counted. Theball 130 cannot end up on a square occupied by a player.

FIGS. 7-9 demonstrate a short-range kick.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sequence of three steps 142 carried out bytriangle-player No. 11 in a single move onto a square adjacent to asquare on which the ball 130 is situated (stepping three squares isconsidered a move).

FIG. 8 illustrates a kick 144 (total distance of three squares) carriedout by triangle-player No. 11 towards triangle-player No. 10. The kickis considered as a sequential move following the move shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates step 146 carried out by triangle-player No. 11 to asquare on which the ball 130 was situated prior to the kick. This stepcompletes the kick move commenced in FIG. 7.

In order to score a goal (by a short-range kick), the ball 130 has toenter goal box 108 as can be seen in FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 illustrates a scenario in which triangle-player No. 10 kicks 148the ball 130 and scores a goal.

FIG. 11 illustrates a step 150 carried out by triangle-player No. 10 toa square on which the ball 130 was situated prior to the kick.

When the attacking team scores a goal, the ball 130 is returned to thekick-off circle 118 (to the side of the opponent team The players ofeach team are again deployed (i.e., each team is deployed on its ownside of the field, excluding the kick-off circle 118) and the opponentteam starts the game the same way it was originally started.

There are two cases in which a team can lose the ball 130: (1) if priorto a kick the ball 130 is situated on a square adjacent to squares onwhich an attacking player and an opponent player are standing, and theattacking team does not kick the ball 130, and (2) if prior to a kickand after a kick the ball 130 is situated on a square adjacent tosquares on which an attacking player and an opponent player arestanding. These scenarios are illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13.

According to the first scenario, kicking the ball 130 has to be carriedout on the first step of a turn if an attacking player and an opponentplayer stand on squares adjacent to the square on which the ball 130 issituated. If the ball 130 is not kicked on the first step, the attackingteam loses the ball 130.

FIG. 12 illustrates a scenario in which the attacking team,triangle-players 124, loses the ball 130 to the opposing team,circle-players 122. As seen in the figure, an opponent player (i.e.,circle-player No. 10) stands on a square adjacent to the square on whichthe ball 130 is situated. The attacking team (i.e., the triangle-players124) does not kick the ball. Instead, triangle-player No. 7 carries outa move 152 (i.e., stepping three squares). Thus, the attacking team canno longer kick the ball 130 but still have to complete the turn andcarry out three additional moves.

On the next turn of the circle-team 122, circle-player No. 10 who standson a square adjacent to the square on which the ball 130 is situated cankick the ball 130.

FIG. 13 illustrates the second scenario mentioned above. As seen in thefigure, prior to a kick, the ball 130 is situated on a square adjacentto squares on which an attacking player (i.e., triangle-player No. 11)and an opponent player (i.e., circle-player No. 10) stand. After thekick, the ball 130 ends up on a square adjacent to squares on whichtriangle-player No. 9 and circle-player 6 stand. As a result,triangle-players 124 lose the ball 130 but still have to complete theturn and carry out three additional moves except kicking the ball 130.

On the next turn of the circle-team 122, circle-player No. 6, who standson a square adjacent to the square on which the ball 130 is situated,can kick the ball 130.

As also seen in FIG. 13, kicking 156 the ball 130 towardstriangle-player No. 7 is preferred since in this case the attacking team(i.e., triangle-players 124) do not lose the ball 130.

A team loses the ball 130 if the ball 130 ends up on a square closer toa square on which an opponent player is standing than to a square onwhich an attacking player is standing. If the ball 130 ends up on asquare whose distance from squares on which players from the two teamsare standing is equal, than the attacking team does not lose the ball130. This scenario is illustrated in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 illustrates a scenario in which triangle-player No. 11 kicks 158the ball 130. The ball 130 ends up situating two squares away fromtriangle-player No. 11 and one square away from circle-player No. 2.Therefore, triangle-players 124 lose the ball 130 but still have tocomplete the turn.

On the next turn of the circle-players 122, circle-player No. 2 (or anyother player who can reach the ball 130 in a move) is able to kick theball 130.

In case that at the end of a turn (when the fourth move is completed)the ball 130 is not situated on a square adjacent to a square on which aplayer from the attacking team is standing, then, on their coming turn,the opponent players ( ) can progress towards the ball 130 and kick theball 130 (even if an attacking player stands closer to the ball than anyone of the opponent players). This scenario is illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 illustrates a scenario in which triangle-players 124 completedtheir turn, and the ball 130 is not situated on a square adjacent to asquare on which triangle-player No. 11 stands. Thus, although triangleplayer No. 11 is closer to the ball 130 than circle-player No. 2,circle-player No. 2 (or any other circle-player who can reach the ball130) can kick the ball 130.

If an opponent player stands on a square adjacent to the square on whichthe ball 130 is situated, the kicking player is not be able to carry outa long-range kick but only a short-range kick. The contestant decides ona square towards which he (or she) wants to advance the ball 130 (by akick) and then rolls the die.

A combination of three squares and the number indicated by the diedetermines the position of the ball 130 after a kick. It should be notedthat changing the direction of the ball 130 movement is not allowedafter choosing the square which the ball 130 should be kicked to. Anexample describing a long-range kick is illustrated in FIGS. 16-19.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a long-range kick. As seen in thefigure, triangle-player No. 3 is about to kick 162 the ball 130 towardstriangle-player No. 7. The contestant chooses f11 (i.e., thestriped-square) to be the target square, which the ball 130 should bekicked to, and then he or (she) rolls a die. In order to get the ball130 to the target square, the rolled die should indicate 1.

FIG. 17 illustrates a case in which the number indicated by the die is 4instead of the optimal 1. This causes triangle-players 124 to lose theball 130. As can be seen in the figure, since the rolled die indicates4, the target square is missed, and the ball 130 continues advancingthree additional squares 164 towards opponent circle-player No. 8. Inthis case, the ball 130 ends up being closer to an opponent player, andthus, the triangle-players 124 lose the ball 130 to the circle-players122.

If, on the other hand, after the ball 130 ends up further than thedesired square, an opponent player in not near enough, the ball 130 maystill be retained by the attacking team if the kicking player (oranother close player) can get to the ball 130 on the next move.

FIG. 18 illustrates the field of play after triangle-player No. 3 steps166 to a square on which the ball 130 was situated prior to the kick.

FIG. 19 illustrates additional alternative pathways 168, 170, and 172for kicking the ball 130 by triangle-player No. 3.

In order to score a goal, the ball 130 has to be kicked towards andenter the goal box 108 (striped-squares) as seen in FIG. 20.

FIG. 20 illustrates a scenario in which triangle-player No. 10 attemptsscoring a goal by performing a long-range kick.

The ball 130 is kicked from one of the eight squares adjacent to thesquare on which the ball 130 was (originally) situated. The playingcontestant decides on a square towards which he (or she) wants to kickthe ball 130, and only then, he (or she) rolls the die. After choosingthe target square to which the ball 130 should get, changing thedirection of the ball 130 movement is not allowed. An example of scoringa goal by a long-range kick is illustrated in FIG. 21. Then, FIG. 22illustrates the final step 168 necessary in order to complete the move.

FIG. 21 illustrates scoring a goal by a long-range kick 174. To score agoal, the contestant managing the triangle-players 124 has to roll a dieand get 2. If the rolled die indicates a number smaller than 2, the ball130 ends up on a square close to the circle-goalie 126, and thetriangle-team 124 is not able to kick the ball 130 again (i.e., thetriangle-players 124 lose the ball 130). The circle-goalie 126 is ableto kick the ball 130 at the end of the turn. If the rolled die indicatesa number greater than 2, the ball crosses the boundaries of the field ofplay.

FIG. 22, illustrates a step 176 carried out by triangle-player No. 10 toa square on which the ball 130 was situated prior to the kick. The stepcompletes the turn.

In case that the ball 130 crosses the goal-gate 109 and exits 178 thefield of play as illustrated in FIG. 23, the attacking team loses theball to the opponent team. In this case, the goalie throws the ball 130into the field either from square 180 or from square 182(striped-square) as seen in FIG. 24.

FIG. 23 illustrates a scenario in which triangle-player No. 10 performsa long-range kick 178. The number indicated by the rolled die is greaterthan the number needed for scoring a goal. Therefore, the ball 130crosses the goal-gate 109, and exits the field of play.

FIG. 24 illustrates the regions (striped-squares 180, 182) from whichthe circle-goalie 126 kicks the ball 130 (after the ball 130 exits thefield of play).

“Offside” is a case in which an attacking player kicks the ball 130towards a player standing behind an opponent player who is the lastplayer along the defense line of the opponent team. In this case, theattacking team loses the ball 130 to the opponent team as illustrated inFIG. 25.

It should be noted that when the ball 130 is kicked towards a playerstanding on the same line with an opponent player, it is not an“offside” offense

FIG. 25 illustrates an “offside” offense. As can be seen in the figure,triangle-player No. 6 kicks 184 the ball 130 towards triangle-player No.10 where triangle-player No. 10 stands behind circle-player No. 3 (i.e.,circle-player No. 3 is the last player forming the defense-line of thecircle-players 122). After the “offside”, the triangle-players 124 losethe ball 130 to the circle-players 122. In their turn, thecircle-players 122 are able to kick the ball 130 (i.e., circle-playerNo. 6 or any other player can kick the ball 130).

The rules of the game described up to this point are elementary andessential for new players who wish to start playing instantly. However,a plurality of additional rules (i.e., the advanced mode of the game),which further simulate the actual soccer game, is for advanced playerswho mastered the game in its basic mode. A detailed description of theadvanced rules is given below.

When two opponent players are adjacent to one another, and the number ofthe kicking player is smaller than the number of his opponent, thekicking player is not allowed to carry out a long-range kick. He is ableto kick the ball 130 throughout a total distance of three (not four)squares and along straight pathways only. This is illustrated in FIGS.26 & 27.

FIG. 26 illustrates a case in which two opponent players stand onsquares adjacent to the square on which the ball 130 is situated. Sincethe number of the Kicking player (i.e., triangle-player No. 10) isgreater than the number of the opponent player (i.e., circle-player No.6), the kicking player can kick the ball 130 towards triangle-player No.8 (i.e., the ball can advance through four squares).

FIG. 27 illustrates a case in which two opponent players stand onsquares adjacent to the square on which the ball 130 is situated. Inthis case, the number of the kicking player (i.e., triangle-player No.4) is lower than the number of the opponent player (i.e., circle-playerNo. 6). Therefore, the ball can advance through three squares only asillustrated in the figure and thus, the ball 130 cannot reachtriangle-player No. 8.

If the ball 130 crosses the boundaries of the field of play, it does notremain with the attacking team. An example illustrating this case isgiven in FIG. 28.

FIG. 28 illustrates a case in which the ball 130 crosses the boundariessurrounding the field of play. As seen in the figure, triangle-playerNo. 10 carries out a long-range kick 190 towards triangle-player No. 8.The number indicated by the die is four, and thus the ball 130 crossesthe boundaries of the field. As a result, the ball 130 does not remainwith the attacking team.

If the ball 130 crosses the borders surrounding the field of play, and aplayer from the opponent team stands on a square (on the field) adjacentto a square on which the ball 130 is situated outside the field of play,the attacking player (i.e., the player who kicked the ball 130) does notlose the ball 130 as illustrated in FIG. 29, and the ball is thrown intothe field by the attacking team.

FIG. 29 illustrates a case in which the ball 130 crosses the boundariessurrounding the field of play but remains with the attacking team. Asseen in the figure, triangle-player No. 10 carries out a long-range kick192 as a result of which the ball 130 crosses the boundaries surroundingthe field of play. Since circle-player No. 7 stands on a square (on thefield) adjacent to a square (outside the field) to which the kicked ball130 gets, the ball 130 remains with the attacking team.

A player, from the team possessing the outed ball, throws the ball 130into the field. Prior to throwing the ball 130 into the field, the teampossessing the outed ball 130 has to complete a move, then, the opponentteam completes a move, and the attacking team completes an additionalmove. Only then, the ball 130 is thrown into the field, and the gamestarts again. This case is illustrated in FIGS. 30-32.

FIG. 30 illustrates region 194 (striped-squares) to which a player hasto arrive in order to “throw” the ball 130 into the field of play.

FIG. 31 illustrates a case in which circle-player No. 5 advances 196towards the ball 130 (outside the field of play) in order to “throw” theball 130 into the field (This is considered a move).

FIG. 32 illustrates a case in which circle-player No. 5 is ready tothrow the ball 130 into the field. As seen in the figure, circle-playerNo. 5 stands outside the field of play on a square adjacent to a squareinside the field of play on which the ball 130 is situated.

Prior to throwing the ball 130 into the field (after an “out of bounds”,a “corner kick”, a “foul kick” or a “goalie kick” took place), there hasto be a vacant square between the square on which an opponent playerstands and the square on which the ball 130 is situated. An exampleillustrating this case is given in FIGS. 33-36.

FIG. 33 illustrates a case in which triangle-player No. 8 vacates 200square b13 in order to leave a vacant square between the square on whichhe stands and the square on which the ball 130 is situated

FIG. 34 illustrates the squares (striped-region 202) that must remainvacant when throwing the ball 130 into the field.

FIG. 35 illustrates a case in which circle-player No. 5 throws 204 theball 130 into the field and towards circle-player No. 7 (this isconsidered a move).

After throwing the ball 130 into the field, the throwing player has toreturn into the field to the square on which the ball 130 was situated.This is not a move.

FIG. 36 illustrates the return 206 of circle-player No. 5 into the fieldto the square on which the ball 130 was situated before it was throwninto the field.

When a long-range kick causes the ball 130 to exit the goal box 108, itis an “out of bounds” case. In this case, the goalie (of the opponentteam) throws the ball 130 into the field as illustrated in FIGS. 37 &38.

FIG. 37 illustrates two regions (region a 208 and region b 210) withinthe goal box 108 and from which the ball 130 can exit the field of play.If the ball 130 exits from region a 208, the goalie (of the opponentteam) throws the ball 130 into the field from region a 208. Similarly,if the ball 130 exits from region b 210, the goalie (of the opponentteam) throws the ball 130 into the field from region b 210.

If the ball 130 exits the field of play through the center line of thegoal box 108, the goalie (of the opponent team) throws the ball 130 intothe field either from region a 208 or from region b 210 as seen in FIG.38. If the ball is situated on an even line prior to being kickedtowards the goal box 108, the goalie throws the ball back into the fieldfrom region a 208. If the ball is situated on an odd line prior to beingkicked towards the goal box 208, the goalie throws the ball back intothe field from square b 210. FIG. 38 illustrates a case in which theball 130 is kicked from an odd line and exits 212 the field of playthrough the center line of the goal box 108. In this case, the goalie(of the opponent team) throws the ball back into the field from squareb.

If an opponent player stands on a square (inside the field of play)adjacent to a square (outside the field of play) to which the ball 130gets, it is a “corner-kick”. In this case, the goalie of the attackingteam (i.e., the team that kicks the ball 130) throws the ball 130 intothe field by a long-range kick (i.e., the contestant decides on a squaretowards which he or (she) wants to advance the ball 130 and then rollsthe die).

Prior to throwing the ball 130 into the field, each team has to completefour moves in order to rearrange and get ready to the return of the ball130 into the field. An example describing a “corner kick” is illustratedin FIGS. 39-46.

FIG. 39 illustrates a “corner kick”. As can be seen in the figure,triangle-player No. 8 kicks 214 the ball 130 and causes a “corner-kick”as the ball 130 gets to a square (outside the field) adjacent to asquare (inside the field) on which circle-player No. 5 stands

FIG. 40 illustrates square 216 (striped-square) on which the ball 130 issituated prior to being kicked into the field.

FIG. 41 illustrates region 218 (striped-squares) into which the player,who is intended to kicked the ball 130 into the field, has to enter.

FIG. 42 illustrates the movement 220 of triangle-player No. 10 towardsthe region (described in FIG. 41) from which he (or she) kicks the ball130 into the field.

FIG. 43 illustrates region 222 (i.e., three striped-squares) adjacent tothe ball 130. This region has to remain vacant when kicking the ball 130into the field.

FIG. 44 illustrates the total distance 224 through which the ball 130can advance when kicked into the field. Kicking the ball 130 into thefield must be done by a long-range kick.

FIG. 45 illustrates a kick 226 carried out by triangle-player No. 10towards triangle-player No. 8.

After kicking the ball into the field, the kicking player is placed onthe square on which the ball 130 was situated (This is not a move).

FIG. 46 illustrates triangle-player No. 10 standing on square 228 (i.e.,a square on which the ball 130 was situated prior to the kick).

11-meter penalty-kick: the penalty kick marks (squares h, k, l in FIG.47) are on opposite sides of the field where each penalty kick mark islocated on a square adjacent the five zone and opposite the goal boxadjacent that five zone, and awarding a penalty kick to a player of anattacking team in an event of a foul.

The playing contestant positions the goalie on one of the three squaresh, k, or l (region 230) adjacent to the goal box 108 and then rolls adie. Based on the number indicated by the die, he (or she) counts from 1to 3 across a row of squares along the goal box 108 (i.e., from square hto square l), and again from 4 to 6. The square, at which the countingis completed, is the square from which the ball 130 enters the goal box108.

In case that counting is completed on a square on which the goaliestands, it is not a goal. In this case the ball 130 is positioned on asquare adjacent to and in front of the square on which the goaliestands, and the kicking team completes four moves. However, if countingis completed on a square not occupied by the goalie, it is a goal. Thesescenarios are illustrated in FIGS. 47-49.

FIG. 47 illustrates squares h, k, and l numbered from 1 to 6.

FIG. 48 illustrates a case in which the number indicated by the die is2. Based on the position of the circle-goalie 126, kicking 232 the ball130 scores a goal.

FIG. 49 illustrates a case in which the number indicated by the die is2. Based on the position of the circle-goalie 126, kicking 234 the ball130 does not score a goal.

Scoring a goal is easier when the ball is kicked from a square locatedin the scoring-zone 111 rather than from a square located outside thescoring-zone 111. Moreover, the position of the goalie is also essentialfor preventing a goal.

In case that the playing contestant wants to have the ball 130 kickedinto the goal box 108, and the ball 130 is positioned on a squareadjacent to a square on which the goalie stands, the playing contestanthas to roll a die prior to kicking the ball 130.

FIG. 50 illustrates a case in which the ball 130 is situated on a squareadjacent to a square on which the circle-goalie 126 stands.

The number indicated by rolling a die is the number of squares throughwhich the ball 130 advances (in a straight line only) towards the goalbox 108 or in any other direction as indicated by the playingcontestant.

FIG. 51 illustrates various pathways 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241,242 that the playing contestant can choose from for advancing the ball130. As seen, the ball 130 is situated on a square adjacent to a squareon which the circle-goalie 126 stands. Based on the number indicated byrolling a die, the playing contestant decides on the direction throughwhich he (or she) wants the ball to advance through.

FIG. 52 illustrates a case in which circle-player No. 10 carries out along-range kick 243 from a square located in the scoring-zone 111 andscores a goal.

If a player kicks the ball 130 towards the goal box 108 from a squarelocated outside the scoring-zone 111, and the ball 130 passes through asquare adjacent to a square (inside the goal box 108) on which thegoalie stands, it is not a goal. If the ball 130 stops on a squareinside the goal box 108, it is a “corner-kick”.

When a player kicks the ball 130 towards the goal box 108 from a squarelocated outside the scoring-zone 111, the ball passes through a squareadjacent to a square on which the goalie stands, and the numberindicated by rolling a die is such that the ball 130 exits the goal box(108), it is a “corner-kick”.

FIG. 53 illustrates a case in which circle-player No. 10 kicks 244 theball 130 towards the goal box from a square located outside thescoring-zone 111, and the ball 130 advances through a square adjacent toa square on which the circle-goalie 126 stands. The number indicated byrolling a die causes the ball 130 to exit the goal box (108). This is a“corner-kick” (this is also true in case that the circle-goalie 126stands on square k20).

If kicking the ball 130 is carried out by a long-range kick from asquare located outside the scoring-zone 111, and the ball 130 does notadvance through a square adjacent to a square on which the goaliestands, it is a goal.

FIG. 54 illustrates a case in which kicking 246 the ball 130 is carriedout by a long-range kick from a square located outside the scoring-zone111. The ball 130 does not advance through a square adjacent to a squareon which the circle-goalie 126 is situated, and thus, it is a goal.

In case that kicking the ball 130 is carried out by a long-range kickfrom a square located outside the scoring-zone 111, and the goaliestands outside the five-zone 110 and on a square adjacent to or alongthe line through which the ball 130 advances, it is a goal.

FIG. 55 illustrates a case in which the ball 130 is kicked 248 from asquare located outside the scoring-zone 111 and advances through asquare on which the goalie stands (outside the five-zone 110). It is agoal.

When the goalie stands on the goalie-line 113 and along the line throughwhich the ball 130 advances, he (or she) stops the ball 130, it is a“corner kick”.

FIG. 56 illustrates a scenario in which circle-goalie 126 stands on thegoalie-line 113 and along the line through which the ball 130 advances250. In this case circle-goalie 126 stops the ball 130, and thus, it isa “corner kick”.

When kicking the ball 130 is carried out from a square located withinthe scoring-zone 111, and the goalie stands either on the five-line 110or along the line through which the ball advances, it is a goal. Thesescenarios are illustrated in FIGS. 57 and 58.

FIG. 57 illustrates a case in which ball 130 is kicked 252 from a squarelocated in the scoring-zone 111, and circle-goalie 126 stands on asquare along the line through which the ball 130 advances. It is a goal.

FIG. 58 illustrates a case in which ball 130 is kicked 254 from a squarelocated in the scoring-zone 111, and circle-goalie 126 stands on thegoalie-line 113. It is a goal.

In case that kicking the ball 130 is carried out from an angle, and theball 130 hits the goalpost on its way to the goal box 108, rolling a dieis required.

FIG. 59 illustrates a case in which triangle-player No. 10 kicks 256ball 130, and the ball 130 hits the post on the way to the goal box 108.

FIG. 60 illustrates various scenarios involved when the ball 130 hitsthe post on the way to the goal box 108. If the number indicated byrolling a die is 1, it is a goal. If an even number is indicated, theball 130 is moved backwards a number of squares equal to the indicatednumber. If the square to which the ball 130 has to get, is occupied, theball 130 moves one square back towards the goal box 108. If an uneveninteger is indicated, the ball 130 continues (a number of squares equalto the indicated number) to the opposite direction in the same angle itfirst entered and hit the goalpost.

Hereinafter follow some additional general rules:

When starting the game as well as in case of an “out of bound” ball,“corner kick”, 11-meter penalty-kick, and free kick (including a goaliekick), a player cannot carry out two consecutive steps if he (or she)kicks the ball on the first step.

At the beginning of the third turn of a team (i.e., the count beginsfrom the moment the team loses the ball to the other team) if the ball130 is situated on the half-side of the field of the attacking team, theball 130 has to move forward at least one square.

FIG. 61 illustrates a scenario in which the movement 258 of the ball 130begins on line 8 and ends on line 11 (this is a normal turn). If theball 130 ends up on line 8 or any line lower than 8, the team loses theball 130 to the opponent team.

It is prohibited that three players from the same team stand on adjacentsquares.

FIG. 62 illustrates a scenario in which circle-player No. 7 can not kickball 130. If he (or she) kicks ball 130, three players from the sameteam end up standing on adjacent squares. Circle-player No. 5, on theother hand, can kick the ball 130.

It is prohibited that seven players from the same team stand on the sameline.

FIG. 63 illustrates a case in which six players (i.e., the maximumpossible number of players) from one team stand on one line 260.

In case that a player carries out a kick (either a long-range or ashort-range kick) from the half-side of the field of his team towardsthe half-side of the field of the opponent team, and at the same timeone player from the attacking team stands in the sixteen-line 114 (onhis half-side of the field), his team loses the ball 130 to the opponentteam. This case is best illustrated in FIG. 64.

FIG. 64 illustrates a case in which it is the turn of the circle-team122 to kick 262 the ball 130 (either by a short-range or a long-rangekick), and circle-player No. 4 stands on top or beneath the sixteen-line114.

In case that a player pushes an opponent player, and the ball 130 is notsituated on any square adjacent to the square on which the player wasoriginally standing, it is a foul. This case is illustrated in FIG. 65.

FIG. 65 illustrates a case in which triangle-player No. 8 pushes 264circle-player No. 6 (where the ball 130 is not situated on a squareadjacent to the square on which circle-player No. 6 was standing beforebeing pushed).

A player gets a yellow card for making a foul. After getting two yellowcards, the player gets a red card and is removed from the game. When afoul is made somewhere inside the sixteen-zone 112, it is a penalty.

In case that two fouls are made against a player, his number is lowered.For instance, if two fouls are made against player No. 10, his numberchanges to 9.

If the ball 130 is situated on a square adjacent to a square on which aplayer stands, an opponent player can push that player to a vacantsquare (only if the target square is adjacent to a square on which theball is situated and only on the first step in a turn). This is bestillustrated in FIG. 66-69.

FIG. 66 illustrates a case in which triangle-player No. 8 pushes 266circle-player No. 6 to square g15.

FIG. 67 illustrates triangle-player No. 8 stepping to a square on whichcircle-player No. 6 was standing prior to being pushed 268 to squareg15.

FIG. 68 illustrates a case in which triangle-player No. 8 cannot push270 circle-player No. 6 since the target square is occupied bycircle-player No. 5.

FIG. 69 illustrates a case in which triangle-player No. 8 cannot push272 circle-player No. 6 since the target square is occupied by ball 130.

The game according to the present invention can be played on a physicalboard with physical player indications, ball indication and a real die.

FIG. 70 illustrates player indicator 300 in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. Player indicator 300 comprisesplayer image 274 and base 276. Base 276 is a flat disc-shaped platformwith a convex surface around the circumference.

In order to advance ball 130 forward, the playing contestant holdsplayer indicator 300 adjacent to disc-shaped ball 130 (i.e., ball 130contacts base 276) and lightly hits ball 130 forward.

In order to bounce ball 130 upwards, the playing contestant holds playerindicator 300 adjacent to disc-shaped ball 130 and tips base 276 upwardswhile hitting ball 130 forward.

FIG. 71 illustrates player indicator 300 advancing ball 130 forward.

FIG. 72 illustrates player indicator 300 bouncing ball 130 upwards.

The game may also be implemented in the form of a computerized game, andthus, may be played as a computer game on a PC, game console, hand-helddisplay device (such as a PDA, mobile phone), television, and similardisplay devices, the players and the ball being graphicalrepresentations on a graphical board, the die function being performedby the processor.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a computer gameplayed locally or over a network includes the option of watchingpreviously played (and saved) games and accessing various scenarios in agame. Moreover, the web site includes, in some preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, various club options for the player. Forinstance, the player is able to get accepted into professional leaguesand international tournaments, access a statistical analysis of playersprior to starting the game, and accumulate points granted for winning agame (where these points can be used for purchasing a variety ofaccessories).

It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attachedFigures set forth in this specification serves only for a betterunderstanding of the invention, without limiting its scope.

It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after readingthe present specification could make adjustments or amendments to theattached Figures and above described embodiments that would still becovered by the present invention.

1. A method of playing a soccer board game played by first and secondcontestants on a board, the method comprising: providing a boardcomprising a grid of distinctly marked squares with soccer fieldmarkings, the soccer field markings comprising a half line dividing thefield into two half fields, a kick-off circle on the half line, twoopposite goal boxes located on opposite ends of the field, a five-zoneand a sixteen-zone areas adjacent each of the goal boxes, and furtherproviding at least one die, a ball and opponent first and second teamsof players, each team pertaining to one of the contestants; eachcontestant playing in turns, aiming at making the team pertaining to himor her getting control of the ball, which is achieved when a player ispositioned on a square adjacent the ball, kicking the ball and scoringgoals, a goal defined as passing the ball through the goal box of arival team, each turn comprising four moves of players, each movecomprising up to four steps.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1,wherein kicking the ball comprises kicking a short-range kick defined asmoving the ball up to four squares or kicking a long-range kick definedas moving the ball three squares and additional number of squares theadditional number determined by said at least one die.
 3. The method asclaimed in claim 2, wherein in a long-range kick the contestantpertaining to an attacking kick places the ball, prior to the long rangekick on any desired square, provided that square is a vacant square andadjacent to the ball, and wherein the long range kick is performed alonga straight line only.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, whereingetting control of the ball by a team pertaining to one of thecontestants comprises, at the end of a turn having one of the players ofthe team pertaining to that contestant being closer to the ball than anyother players of the other team.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1,further comprising loosing the ball to the opponent team during any ofthe moves of a turn, when the ball is found before a kick on a squareadjacent a player of the opponent team and is also found, after thatkick on a square adjacent a player of the opponent team.
 6. The methodas claimed in claim 1, further comprising loosing the ball by anattacking team to the opponent team at the end of a turn, when at theend of the turn the ball is found on a square that is not adjacent aplayer of the attacking team.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 1,wherein the players of each team are distinctly numbered.
 8. The methodas claimed in claim 7, wherein when a player of an attacking team isfound on a square adjacent the ball and a player of the opponent team isfound on a square adjacent the ball, then if the number of the player ofthe attacking team is smaller than the number of the player of theopponent team, than the player of the attacking team can kick only ashort range kick comprising only up to three steps.
 9. The method asclaimed in claim 7, wherein when a player of an attacking team is foundon a square adjacent the ball and a player of the opponent team is foundon a square adjacent the ball, then if the number of the player of theattacking team is larger than the number of the player of the opponentteam, than the player of the attacking team can kick only a short rangekick comprising only up to four steps.
 10. The method as claimed inclaim 1, wherein if the ball is in control of an attacking team andlocated on a square in the half field of the attacking team, than at theend of a turn the ball must advance at least one square forward.
 11. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, further comprising providing penalty kickmarks on opposite sides of the field each penalty kick mark located on asquare adjacent the five zone and opposite the goal box adjacent thatfive zone, and awarding a penalty kick to a player of an attacking teamin an event of a foul, the penalty kick performed by placing the ball onthe penalty kick mark, rolling said at least one die, and countingacross a row of squares along the goal box corresponding to the numberobtained by rolling said at least one die, so that if the counting endson a square not occupied by a goalie it is determined that a goal wasscored.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein if the row ofsquares along the goal box contains a number of squares that is smallerthan the number obtained by rolling said at least one die, than thecounting comprises repeated counting across the row of squares.
 13. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, wherein before a kick by a player of anattacking team, if a goalie of the opponent team is found on a squareadjacent the ball, then the kick comprises steps the number of whichconsists only of and is determined by rolling said at least one die, andonly in straight line.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein ascoring zone is defined in front of each of the goal boxes, and whereinif a player of an attacking team kicks the ball along a straight linetowards the goal box of the opponent team, the ball being placed insidethe scoring zone adjacent that goal box prior to the kick, then if thegoalie of the opponent team is placed on a square on the straight linethen it is determined that the goalie has successfully prevented scoringa goal.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a scoring zone isdefined in front of each of the goal boxes, and wherein if a player ofan attacking team kicks the ball along a straight line towards the goalbox of the opponent team, the ball being placed outside the scoring zoneadjacent that goal box prior to the kick, then if the goalie of theopponent team is placed on a square on the straight line then it isdetermined that the goalie has successfully prevented scoring a goal,and if the goalie is positioned in the five zone and placed on a squareadjacent the straight line than it is determined that the goalie haswarded the ball out and prevented scoring a goal.
 16. The method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein in an event of a penalty, an outed ball, ora corner, each team is awarded a turn for reorganization.
 17. The methodas claimed in claim 1, wherein the method is implemented in the form ofa computerized game.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein oneof the contestants comprises a computerized contestant.
 19. The methodas claimed in claim 1, comprising implementing official soccer rules inthe soccer board game.
 20. A soccer board game to be played by first andsecond contestants comprising: a board comprising a grid of distinctlymarked squares with soccer field markings, the soccer field markingscomprising a half line dividing the field into two half fields, akick-off circle on the half line, two opposite goal boxes located onopposite ends of the field, a five-zone and a sixteen-zone areasadjacent each of the goal boxes; at least one die; a ball; and opponentfirst and second teams of players, each team pertaining to one of thecontestants.
 21. The board game as claimed in claim 20, wherein the gridof distinctly marked squares comprises a grid of 19 by 22 squares. 22.The board game as claimed in claim 20, wherein a line of squares isprovided outside, adjacent and around the soccer field markings.
 23. Theboard game as claimed in claim 20, wherein the grid of distinctly markedsquares comprises is marked by numbers or letters.
 24. The board game asclaimed in claim 20, wherein the five zone comprises a grid of 2 by 5squares.
 25. The board game as claimed in claim 20, wherein the sixteenzone comprises a grid of 4 by 9 squares.
 26. The board game as claimedin claim 20, wherein the goal box comprises a line of 3 squares.
 27. Theboard game as claimed in claim 20, wherein a scoring zone is markedadjacent each goal box, the scoring zone comprising a grid of 6 by 13squares apart from 3 corner squares located on opposite sides on eitherside of the grid adjacent a line across the goal box.
 28. The board gameas claimed in claim 20, wherein the board comprises a physical board andphysical player indicators, ball indicator and wherein said at least onedie comprises one or more physical dice.
 29. The board game as claimedin claim 20, wherein the ball indicator comprises a disc.
 30. The boardgame as claimed in claim 28, wherein the player indicator comprises animage of a player mounted on a base.
 31. The board game as claimed inclaim 28, wherein the base is a flat disc-shaped platform with a convexsurface on the circumference.